Love Lives Here ∙
O LORD, you are my lamp. The LORD lights up my darkness. – 2 Samuel 22:29
Philippians 2:12-16
12 Dear friends . . .. Work hard to show the results of your salvation, obeying God with deep reverence and fear.
13 For God is working in you, giving you the desire and the power to do what pleases him.
14 Do everything without complaining and arguing,
15 so that no one can criticize you. Live clean, innocent lives as children of God, shining like bright lights in a world full of crooked and perverse people.
16 Hold firmly to the word of life; then, on the day of Christ’s return, I will be proud that I did not run the race in vain and that my work was not useless.
In the winter of 2021, a heartfelt Christmas tradition took root in Rodgers Forge, Maryland. It started in November 2020. Matt Riggs recognized that his neighbor, Kim Morton, was battling anxiety and depression due to the pandemic’s toll. He reached out through a kind gesture. He hung a single strand of white lights from his house across to hers.
“I was reaching out to Kim to literally brighten her world,” Riggs shared with The Washington Post. His endeavor to uplift Morton not only achieved its goal but also sparked inspiration among many in their community. Following Riggs’s initiative, neighbors began to mirror the act, stringing Christmas lights from one house to another across the street. “Little by little, the whole neighborhood starting doing it,” Morton said.
The initiative soon transformed their street into a spectacle of interconnected lights, including a striking message of “Love Lives Here.” More than 75% of the neighborhood got involved. Morton said, “The lights were a physical sign of connection and love.” The community vowed to turn it into an annual event. True to their promise, preparations for the second iteration commenced in late November 2021.
Witnessing his neighbors adopt his idea, Riggs said it “genuinely brought tears to my eyes,” Riggs continued. “From such a humble beginning, a tiny little act, it became this event” (The Washington Post).
We are fallen people living in a fallen world. Because of His love, the Father wanted to connect with people and bring light into their lives. The Father sent His Son into our dark, fallen world to be the light of the world and to provide a beacon of light and life.
Isaiah 49:6 The Lord says, “You will do more than restore the people of Israel to me. I will make you a light to the Gentiles, and you will bring my salvation to the ends of the earth.”
John 1:4-9
4 In him was life, and his life brought light to everyone.
5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it.
6 God sent a man, John the Baptist,
7 to tell about the light so that everyone might believe because of his testimony.
8 John himself was not the light; he was simply a witness to tell about the light.
9 The one who is the true light, who gives light to everyone, was coming into the world.
The light of life dispels the darkness of ignorance and death. The Lord Jesus Christ claimed that whoever believed in Him would enjoy the light from God’s presence and the life He offers (Constable).
REFLECT & PRAY
Psalms 27:1 The LORD is my light and my salvation – so why should I be afraid? The LORD protects my life! I am afraid of no one!
Father thank You for sending the Lord Jesus Christ into the world as the light that gives life. Enable me to reflect His light.
INSIGHT
The narrative found in John 8:12-20 takes place during the Jewish Festival of Tabernacles or Booths (John 7:2). On the festival’s first day, an evocative ceremony known as the Illumination of the Temple took center stage. This event saw the lighting of four tall majestic menorahs, their flames reaching skyward, rivaling the height of the temple’s towering walls. The radiant light cast by these candelabra illumined the temple grounds and extended its luminance over much of Jerusalem, creating a breathtaking spectacle. This momentous occasion stood out as one of the most exultant events within the Jewish calendar (Constable).
Throughout the night, Israel’s most devout men would immerse themselves in joyous songs, chanting Psalms brimming with praise and jubilation. They danced fervently in honor of the Lord, their movements a testament to their faith and devotion. Amidst this backdrop of light and celebration, Lord Jesus Christ stepped forward to address the gathered crowd.“I am the light of the world.” How poignant and dramatic. “There would scarcely be a more dramatic way to announce one of the supreme realities of Jesus’ existence. What a way to focus people’s attention on one of the truths they needed to understand!” (Hughes).
John 8:12 “I am the light of the world. If you follow me, you won’t have to walk in darkness, because you will have the light that leads to life.”
The Lord Jesus Christ is the light of the world. He offers light to all. The phrase I am the light of the world is often rendered as “I am the one who gives light to people in the world” or “I am the one who causes light for people of the world” (UBS). What does His light do? It is the light of life that is life-bringing light. The Lord Jesus Christ is “The light that gives life” or “The light that leads to life” (UBS). In some languages, the light of life may be rendered “The light that causes people to really live” or “The light that shows people how they may live” (UBS).
The Father extends His hand to humanity, not just to illuminate our world and elevate our spirits, but to provide us with light and truth that lead to everlasting life.
It is our responsibility to let His light radiate from within us, mirroring His brilliance in a manner that draws attention to Him.
Matthew 5:14-16
14 You are the light of the world – like a city on a hilltop that cannot be hidden.
15 No one lights a lamp and then puts it under a basket. Instead, a lamp is placed on a stand, where it gives light to everyone in the house.
16 In the same way, let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.
We have the light. We are to let it shine.
Harold Dixon Loes was an American gospel songwriter. He wrote the lyrics for 1500 gospel songs and composed 1000 tunes, including This Little Light of Mine, early in the 20th century.
This Little Light of Mine
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine.
This little light of mine, I’m gonna let it shine,
let it shine, let it shine, oh let it shine.
Ev’rywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine.
Ev’rywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine.
Ev’rywhere I go, I’m gonna let it shine,
let it shine, let it shine, oh let it shine.
Jesus gave it to me, I’m gonna let it shine.
Jesus gave it to me, I’m gonna let it shine.
Jesus gave it to me, I’m gonna let it shine,
let it shine, let it shine, oh let it shine.
¯\_(ツ)_/¯ 12-27-1
© Dr. H 2024
Dr H Reflections 